Electrical question for perfectionists... re: BX1500

[bxowner]

This has been driving me crazy all afternoon - and I have to 'vent...'

I installed a Hella dual-beam work lamp on the rear-end of my my BX1500 today - twin 55w lamp style - and I'm quite happy. In fact, it's brighter than the front headlamps.

Anyway, my issue is as follows: I was raised by two 'type-A' personalities. So everything I do has to be done the right way - I've installed a relay, sheathed all the wiring and made it look 'factory.' Now, I'm struggling with the switch itself.

The BX1500 has turn signals. I'll never use them. So, for now, I've wired in the rear work lamp into the factory turn signal switch (which is 3-way) and disconnected the original harness. To turn on the worklamp, simply switch the turn-signal switch toward the rear.

Problem is, the retentive-side of me wants to replace the switch with a 2-way headlamp switch. Problem with that is, I won't be able to differentiate it from the headlamps when it's dark out - so I'm wondering whether Kubota has a different color switch on other models (other than black or red).

I should probably leave well enough alone.

 

[ericbx1500]

I don’t have an answer but a question. Are you using the standard alternator or did you upgrade? I also want to add rear lights on my bx1500. Also do you have any pics?

 

[bxowner]

ericbx1500 -

I'm trying to make a conscious effort to not spend a fortune on this tractor - at least right from the start. Which is why I haven't upgraded the alternator (yet) - I figure I'll try to get through this cold season and see if running the tractor for a few minutes after turning off the light is enough to preserve battery power. As it is, I run the tractor for 4 or 5 minutes, a tick above idle, at first - as per the owner's manual - to recharge & get the fluids going.

I tried to post a picture - but can't get it to work. I'll try to send it to you in a message.

 

[herringchoker]

bxowner - That's what I did the first winter I had my B7800 (with its wimpy dynamo)...run it for 5 -10 minutes after I was done moving snow to charge the battery up. (I have a cab with work lights front & rear, a heater blower and wipers front & rear so it uses a lot of juice.) That worked well , too, until the time I went to get out of the cab to move my pickup truck out of the way and I forgot to disengage the PTO. Of course, as soon as my butt left the seat, the safety switch did its thing and shut down the motor ( I was so surprised I failed to sit down fast enough to keep the motor running.) Anyway, the battery didn't have enough juice to start the engine.
I installed the alternator kit shortly after.

 

[bxowner]

What kind of expense is it to add the alternator kit, anyway. I should have asked about this when new - the thought just didn't cross my mind. As it is, I'm glad I had done some research, as I did upgrade to the 4-valve - which saved me a few hundred dollars. It looks like a snowblower attachment may be in my future.

 

[gordon21]

Bxowner: Go to a dealer and wander around looking at every single tractors dash, fender and control panel. Look at both used and new tractors. eventually you will see a switch that will match and blend with the styling of your tractor. Once you find one, go to the parts counter and ask for a xxx switch from a model yyy. This may cost you $45, but isn't a matching layout what you want? Someone in the last few months someone posted some pix of a JD unit where he added 3-4 switches along one fender. He used all JD switches and it looked factory done. That is what you should do.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

What kind of expense is it to add the alternator kit, anyway. I should have asked about this when new - the thought just didn't cross my mind. As it is, I'm glad I had done some research, as I did upgrade to the 4-valve - which saved me a few hundred dollars. It looks like a snowblower attachment may be in my future.

About $190 plus install

 

[AceDeuce]

Problem is, the retentive-side of me wants to replace the switch with a 2-way headlamp switch. Problem with that is, I won't be able to differentiate it from the headlamps when it's dark out - so I'm wondering whether Kubota has a different color switch on other models (other than black or red).

Wow! Someone more Type "A" than me!

First let me say that's a slick way to wire up your lights. Hats off to you for the idea.

I don't have an answer for your question except to say that with only three switches on the dash you have a 33% chance of finding the right one in the dark using the braille method. And my bet is that you'll memorize the right position after the first few incorrect attempts. Worst case? Ooops, turned off the headlights... Ooops again, turned off the flashers... Darn it!

 

[WayneB]

I am not sure about your BX, but on my B-7500 the turn signals and the 4-way flashers are interconnected. So I would think that if you mess with the turn signals you will also be messing with the flashers.

There is some space along side of the signal light switch and on the side of the key switch on the B-7500 so I would suggest that you do a knock out for either a square switch or a round hole for a different type switch. There is a square switch available that uses a round hole, makes for a nice flush mount. Suggest that you remove the panel and check underneath for clearance before you start drilling or cutting.

There are several structure support beneath the panel and if you get too close to one of them you will not be able to tighten the retaining nut! (take it from one who did just that)

Wayne

 

[bxowner]

Thanks, Wayne. To my pleasant surprise, removing the turn signal harness did not interrupt the funtion of the flashers. I have zip-tied the turn signal harness back upon itself so that it won't flop around or be exposed to chaff.

AceDeuce -

Your braille comment sums up the reason that I'm going to leave well enough alone - the more I think about it, the more I realize that I'll need that light in the dark. So, no need for a 2-way switch that is, say yellow or orange. Instead, I'm going to keep it on the 3-way since that switch feels "flat" when it's off. Now, I just need to consider what to do with that last position of the switch. Maybe a small, removable fog-beam pattern light for low on the front of the tractor - so that I can see when the FEL is in a position other than on the ground... push the switch forward for improved front lighting, rear to see behind me.

This is why I don't often take days off... too much time to think!